MP writes to PM over Katrice files

HARTLEPOOL MP Iain Wright has written to the Prime Minister in an ongoing attempt to open the case files of a young girl who disappeared 30 years ago.

Yesterday the town MP raised the matter during a question session in the House of Commons.

Mr Wright has sent a letter to David Cameron to see what he can do to release information on the investigation of the disappearance of Hartlepool girl Katrice Lee.

Katrice went missing from a NAAFI supermarket, in Paderborn, Germany, on November 28, 1981, on her second birthday.

It comes after her dad, Richie Lee, was told that the Government will not be releasing the case files as it could have a prejudicial effect on the investigation or any subsequent trial.

Despite that, Mr Lee, from the Stockton Road area of town, has the support of Mr Wright and said he is “determined as ever” to get answers.

The town’s MP promised Mr Lee he would write to the Prime Minister and raise the issue during business questions in the House of Commons yesterday.

Mr Wright said: “My first promise was to write to the Prime Minister to express Mr Lee’s concerns and to see what he can do to open up the case files for the family.

“The second promise was to ask for a floor debate in the House of Commons at business questions.

“To be fair to the Leader of the House, he was incredibly sympathetic and said he would speak to the Foreign Secretary about it.

“The debate will be considered.”

Peter Luff, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Defence, Support and Technology, has previously said that the family could not have access. Mr Luff had said disclosure of the files, even to a family member, could have a prejudicial effect on the investigation or any subsequent trial and also said it could breach data protection laws.

Retired postman Richie, 62, who was a Sergeant Major when Katrice went missing, has previously told the Hartlepool Mail that he was “saddened but not surprised” about the news.

Despite the lack of support from the Government, he said the family, including Katrice’s mother, Richie’s ex-wife Sharon, and his other daughter, Natasha, who both live in Gosport, in Hampshire, are determined as ever to carry on their campaign in the quest to get answers and ultimately find Katrice.

Mr Wright added: “Across the House there is support and I would like to praise the efforts of Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage who has been representing Mrs Lee.

“The House of Commons wants to make sure that the Lee family can seek reassurance and justice.”

As previously reported, an online petition has been launched to pressure the Government to release the files and has attracted around 1,000 signatures since it was set up last month.

It can be found at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/please-help-to-get-the-rmp-mod-to-release-the-case-fil.html